O Pope Francis said on Thursday that it is morally legitimate for nations to supply Ukraine with weapons to help the country defend itself from Russian aggression.
Speaking to reporters aboard a plane returning from a three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Francis also urged Kiev to be open to eventual dialogue, even if it could “smell” because it would be difficult for the Ukrainian side.
The pope used the Italian word “puzza” (smell or stench), colloquially equivalent to “wrinkling your nose” to describe something you would rather not do.
The war in Ukraine, which Russia invaded on February 24, provided the backdrop for the pope’s visit to Kazakhstan, where he attended a congress of religious leaders from around the world.
At a 45-minute press conference aboard the plane, a reporter asked whether it was morally right for countries to send weapons to Ukraine.
“This is a political decision that can be morally, morally acceptable, if it is made under conditions of morality,” Francis said.
He expounded the Roman Catholic Church’s “Just War” principles, which allow for the proportionate use of deadly weapons for self-defense against an aggressor nation.
“Self-defense is not only lawful, but also an expression of love for the country. Who doesn’t defend himself, who doesn’t defend something, doesn’t love. Whoever defends (something) loves,” she said.
Explaining the difference between when it is moral and immoral to supply arms to another country, Francis said:
“It can be immoral if the intention is to provoke more war, or sell weapons or dump weapons that (a country) no longer needs. Motivation is what largely qualifies the morality of that action,” she said.
The pope, who for the second time on an international trip attended the press conference instead of standing due to a persistent knee ailment, was asked whether Ukraine should negotiate with the country that invaded it and whether there was a “red line” ” Ukraine should draw depending on Russian activities, after which it could refuse to negotiate.
“It’s always difficult to understand dialogue with countries that have started a war… it’s difficult, but it shouldn’t be ruled out,” he said.
“I would not exclude dialogue with any power that is at war, even if it is with the aggressor… Sometimes you have to have a dialogue like that. It smells, but, it has to be done,” he said.
“It (the dialogue) is always a step forward, with an outstretched hand, always. Because otherwise we close the only reasonable door to peace,” Francis said.
“Sometimes they (the aggressor) do not accept dialogue. What a shame. But dialogue must always be carried out, or at least offered. And that is good for those who offer it,” he said.
Source: CNN Brasil
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